The Resort Village of Candle Lake wants to be the provinicial trial spot for allowing golf carts on streets, a program they would run similarly to how they manage ATVs. (website/Cande Lake)

By Susan McNeil

Golf cart haven

Candle Lake wants to be part of golf cart trial run

Apr 20, 2023 | 5:05 PM

As it stands, golf carts in Saskatchewan must be driven directly from their originating point to a golf course, but this is something the Resort Village of Candle Lake would like to change.

Mayor Terry Kostyna said the village is behind a SUMA resolution to allow people to drive them on roads in certain cases, and is has already seen some success.

“Yesterday at SUMA, Minister Morgan announced he had directed SGI to work on a pilot program that would enable something like this,” said Kostyna.

No details have been released about the project, but given that the resolution started in Candle Lake, Kostyna hopes the province starts there, as well.

For Candle Lake, the movement started during the 2020 election campaign as community members came out in favour – and with some opposed – of being able to drive them around town.

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A bylaw was passed three years ago allowing the carts to be used more widely, but was then rescinded because the council wanted their bylaw to match with any provincial legislation.

“We rescinded the bylaw of 2020 while we took the time to get it right, and to see if we could get the province to change some rules. Since then, we’ve been successful,” said Kostyna.

Allowing people to use a golf cart enables access for people with limited mobility if they only want to go a short distance where most people would walk, he said.

“What if you struggle to walk, what if you’re a senior, what if you struggle with mobility issues of any kind?” Kostyna said.

He thinks there is enough support in the village to make it a good place for the pilot program and points out some ideas they have already implemented that would translate well.

While large cities allowing golf carts on major thoroughfares is obviously not an option, the smaller streets of Candle Lake are well-suited to the idea and Kostyna said that municipalities should be able to do what works for them.

“It’s about choice. This is all about choice,” he said. That choice could extend to the village allowing carts on some roads or trails and not on others.

They would also limit operations to exclude children from driving the carts. Right now, the province limits the operating of the carts to drivers with a valid Class 7 license and requiring $200,000 in third party liability insurance.

Candle Lake was supported in its resolution by larger cities in their resolution because they could see benefits of someday allowing the carts in some locations.

Riding ATVs in the village is allowed, but the owners must equip them with large numbers that are assigned by village.

This has resulted in very few issues with ATVs, Kostyna said. Residents can see the numbers and report infractions easily.

ATVs without a number are breaking municipal bylaws, which is a ticketable offence.

Kostyna said how their system for allowing ATVs has been highly successful and it is likely they would use the same system for golf carts.

“It’s the same system it’s the same system that’s been so successful there. It’s been nothing but a win,” he said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com